Now versus Later

The brain only knows now. This is where we are, this is what we focus on.

Many people can become so involved in what they are currently working on that thoughts of what was done or what is to be done never come up. Being able to completely focus on only one aspect of now frequently happens when, and is beneficial for, project work, studying, or meditation.

However, on the other side of the proverbial coin, there are people so easily distracted by past or future thoughts, ideas, needs, or tasks that staying focused on one immediate task can be difficult. This happens when the brain cannot filter every other aspect of now from the task at hand.

When you live in the unfiltered now, your mind has a myriad of things swimming around in it rather than just one. This might mean that you miss due dates, run late, or have more things started than completed.

For those of us who are not linear thinkers, we often have a number of ideas, thoughts, and “to-do’s” all vying for attention. Besides being distracting, this can make it difficult to pick a task to work on, let alone focus on it. When you are confronting the various “must do’s” in every category of your life (work, home, health, family, and so on), give importance to deadlines and items you have already identified as having higher priority.

I have a deadline for getting out two monthly newsletters. I open a blank doc for each at the beginning of the month and write in thoughts and ideas as they come to me. By the last week of the month, I commit to organizing a first draft. Typically, I’ll re-read and edit in a few days. Because I have a short attention span this works for me. It’s the small chunks idea.

I’m successful at getting these newsletters out because I’ve come up with a process that works for me. Plus, I’m committed to the recipients of my newsletters and I value commitment.

Finding systems that work for you can be challenging. Perhaps prioritizing, setting deadlines for small bits, and making a commitment is the process for you. Give it a go.

-Sydney Metrick